At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor education programmes and engage communities in conservation activities.
- Company: Join a supportive Ranger Service team dedicated to nature and community.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role where every day brings new challenges and opportunities.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for the outdoors with meaningful work that connects people to nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in conservation or outdoor education and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to combine your love of the outdoors with making a real difference for people and nature. You will be part of a small, supportive Ranger Service team, leading exciting education and community programmes and helping to shape the future of Eastbrookend Country Park and the Dagenham Corridor, whilst enjoying a varied role where no two days are the same.
About the Role
As Lead Countryside Ranger, you will play a key role in protecting, enhancing, and promoting Eastbrookend Country Park, the Eastbrookend Discovery Centre, and the wider Dagenham Corridor Green Belt. This is a hands-on role that combines conservation, education, and community engagement. You will help people connect with nature, support biodiversity, and ensure our green spaces remain welcoming, safe, and inspiring for everyone.
What You Will Do
Your work will be varied and rewarding, with responsibilities that include:
- Deliver engaging, curriculum-linked outdoor learning sessions for schools.
- Lead our Forest School programme in the purpose-built outdoor classroom.
- Inspire young people and diverse learners to connect with nature.
- Recruit, train, and lead volunteers in conservation activities.
- Organise community events, guided walks, and seasonal activities.
- Support social prescribing initiatives that promote wellbeing through nature.
- Help maintain high standards across the park, including repairs, signage, and safety checks.
- Contribute to habitat management and biodiversity monitoring.
- Support delivery of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy and Green Flag Award standards.
- Work with schools, charities, and community groups.
- Promote environmental awareness and outdoor learning through seasonal programmes.
- Build strong partnerships to expand the reach of the Ranger Service.
Special requirements for this post
- Full UK Driving Licence essential, as you will be required to travel between sites and across the borough.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends (time off in lieu will be provided).
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake practical conservation and site maintenance tasks.
- Comfortable wearing the official Ranger Service uniform, personal protective equipment (PPE), and body-worn camera while on duty.
- Physically able to carry out manual tasks such as habitat management, site repairs, and equipment handling.
- Willingness to act as a key holder for the Discovery Centre and park facilities, including responsibility for health and safety checks.
- Commitment to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusive community engagement.
- Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, relevant health and safety legislation, environmental regulations, and council policies.
About you
Are you passionate about the natural environment and enthusiastic about helping people connect with nature? With experience in conservation, outdoor education, or community engagement, you are confident leading groups of all ages and backgrounds, from schoolchildren to volunteers and corporate teams. This role would suit someone who thrives in a varied, hands-on position where no two days are the same, and who is motivated by making a real difference for both people and nature.
You will bring:
- A strong interest in environmental education, with the ability to deliver engaging, curriculum-linked sessions and inspire learners through outdoor experiences.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to build positive relationships with schools, community groups, volunteers, and partner organisations.
- Practical skills in site management and conservation, with the ability to carry out hands-on maintenance, habitat management, and biodiversity monitoring.
- Confidence in organising and leading events, guided walks, and community activities that promote health, wellbeing, and environmental awareness.
- A flexible and proactive approach, with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage resources, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
- A commitment to inclusivity, equal opportunities, and engaging underrepresented groups in outdoor learning and volunteering.
Lead Countryside Ranger in London employer: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Join our dedicated Ranger Service team as a Lead Countryside Ranger, where your passion for the outdoors meets meaningful community engagement. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values conservation and education, with opportunities for personal growth through hands-on experiences in Eastbrookend Country Park. With a focus on inclusivity and environmental awareness, you'll play a vital role in inspiring diverse learners while enjoying the beauty of nature in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Countryside Ranger in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Ranger Service and its community programmes. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference for people and nature.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When discussing your experience, highlight specific examples where you've inspired others or led outdoor education sessions. We want to see your enthusiasm for connecting people with nature and how you can bring that energy to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since this role involves working closely with volunteers and community groups, think of times when you've successfully collaborated with others. Share how you’ve built positive relationships and engaged diverse learners in outdoor activities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the projects you'll be involved in. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the future of Eastbrookend Country Park.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Countryside Ranger in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature:Let your love for the outdoors shine through in your application. Share personal experiences that highlight your connection with nature and how it drives your desire to make a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique talents to our Ranger Service team!
Highlight Your Community Engagement Skills:Since this role involves working with diverse groups, emphasise any experience you have in community engagement or education. Show us how you've inspired others to connect with nature in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Know Your Nature
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of local flora and fauna, as well as conservation practices. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've engaged with nature or led outdoor education sessions will show your passion and expertise.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about past experiences where you've successfully engaged with community groups or schools. Be ready to share stories that highlight your ability to inspire others and promote environmental awareness through hands-on activities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams or volunteers. Highlight any specific projects where you’ve organised events or training sessions, and be ready to explain how you motivated and guided others to achieve common goals.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Since this role involves hands-on tasks, expect questions about site management and conservation techniques. Think about scenarios where you've had to solve practical problems outdoors, and be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of health and safety regulations.
